Job growth forecasted for West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Greater Grand Rapids can expect job growth next year of 1.2% and 1.6% in 2014. That forecast was delivered Thursday to area business and community leaders at the 15th annual West Michigan Economic Outlook.

The numbers come from economist George Erickcek, the senior regional analyst for the Upjohn Institute. Erickcek said the job growth in west Michigan, and the state as a whole will be "powered by manufacturing", especially in the auto sector.

Erickcek also reported that wages were declining across the board. He told WZZM 13: "Usually at this time in a recovery we would see a decrease in use of temporary employment services. We have not - which means that I still think employers are still uncertain about where the economy is going- still uncertain if whether they really do need that extra shift,and with that uncertainty they are being very picky about who they're hiring."